OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK AUTHORITY - 4600

(New: 07/2023)

The California Department of Technology’s (CDT), Office of Technology Services (OTech) has the statutory authority for the state’s Business Telecommunications Systems and Services strategy and policy as authorized in California Government Code (GC) sections 11531-11548. Pursuant to GC section 11541, OTech shall develop and describe statewide policy on the use of Business Telecommunications Systems and Services by state agencies. OTech shall develop strategic and tactical plans, may enter into contracts, obtain licenses, acquire personal property, install necessary equipment and facilities, and do other acts that will provide adequate and efficient telecommunications services.

 

OTech utilizes the California Network and Telecommunications (CALNET) Program to implement GC section 11541 statutory requirements. The CALNET Program provides state and local government entities Business Telecommunications Systems and Services as defined in GC section 11532. In addition, the CALNET Program provides a communications network that is currently managed through the CALNET Contracts.

The CALNET Network Infrastructure are Wide Area Networks (WANs) that distribute end-to-end voice, data, and video services through contracted services. They are privately owned, operated, and maintained by CALNET Contractors under OTech’s oversight. The CALNET services are comprehensive and designed to meet the majority of the State’s Business Telecommunications Systems and Services requirements. Individual customers directly purchase services through the CALNET Contracts.

The CALNET Contracts are easy to use by both state and local government entities because they are already competitively bid, thereby saving entities from conducting their own solicitations.

State Vision

• The state envisions a consolidated, flexible, responsive, secure, survivable, efficient, and cost-effective telecommunications infrastructure that provides seamless end-to-end interoperability for voice, data, and video services, whether separately or as part of a converged service.
• Owning and operating WANs are not the primary responsibility of the state; therefore, the state’s Business Telecommunications Systems and Services will continue to be procured from private contractor(s) under the oversight of OTech.
• Where feasible, multiple contractors provide increased diversity and competition that lead to lower prices, more customer choices, and the capability to obtain and rapidly deploy new technologies.

Except as set forth in SAM chapter 4602, all Executive Branch Entities are required to utilize the CALNET Contracts. In addition, all other state and local government entities are highly encouraged to utilize the CALNET Contracts because it provides ease of procurement, economic benefits, and interoperability for voice and data services.

The State Telecommunications Management Manual (STMM) provides detailed policy, instructions, and procedures regarding the use and implementation of Business Telecommunications Systems and Services and can be accessed on the CALNET Program website.